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HomeInfrastructureMumbai's Inconsistent Air Quality Data Raises Concerns Over Pollution Severity

Mumbai’s Inconsistent Air Quality Data Raises Concerns Over Pollution Severity

Mumbai’s Inconsistent Air Quality Data Raises Concerns Over Pollution Severity

Mumbai, one of India’s largest and most densely populated cities, is grappling with an environmental crisis: severe air pollution. However, recent analyses suggest that the situation may be even worse than official reports indicate. Inconsistent data from air quality monitoring stations across the city have raised serious concerns about the accuracy and reliability of pollution readings, ultimately jeopardising public health and effective policymaking.

Data from the city’s 30 Air Quality Index (AQI) monitoring stations, which are operated by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), show glaring gaps and inconsistencies. Many of these stations, designed to offer real-time data on pollution levels, have repeatedly gone offline. For example, key monitoring stations in areas like Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Kandivli East, and Chakala have been offline for days or even months at a time, with messages such as “No Available Data” or “Insufficient Data for Computing AQI” frequently appearing on screens.

The lack of data has led to confusion among residents and undermines efforts to combat air pollution. Residents in neighbourhoods like Borivli East, BKC, and Worli have expressed frustration with AQI readings that do not align with the pollution levels they experience in reality. “Despite the constant dust and burning garbage in my area, the AQI readings often report moderate pollution,” said Pankaj Trivedi, a Borivli East resident. “These apps are confusing and don’t reflect the real situation.” The discrepancies in pollution data are more than just a nuisance; they have serious implications for public health and environmental governance. Sunil Dahiya, founder of EnviroCatalysts, points out that the lack of consistent data severely hampers efforts to monitor air quality accurately, particularly in pollution hotspots. He noted that some stations have been out of service for months, and the data from others is frequently incomplete. Without reliable air quality data, it becomes challenging for policymakers to make informed decisions and implement effective pollution control measures.

Moreover, experts argue that the current monitoring network is inadequate, especially given Mumbai’s rapidly changing infrastructure. Dr. Rakesh Kumar, president of the Society for Indoor Environment, stresses the need for a comprehensive study that considers factors like urbanisation, traffic patterns, and emissions. He suggests that AQI stations be relocated to reflect the city’s dynamic air quality conditions more accurately. Despite the Mumbai Climate Action Plan (MCAP) outlining the need for better data collection and monitoring, progress has been slow. The MCAP recommends expanding the air quality monitoring network and using hybrid systems to address pollution in both urban and rural areas. However, according to environmental advocates, such recommendations have not been fully implemented. NGO Awaaz Foundation, for instance, has had to independently post PM2.5 readings on social media, as the authorities have failed to issue health advisories or provide real-time pollution updates.

Compounding the issue is the ongoing tussle between the MPCB and IITM over the accuracy of AQI data. The MPCB has criticised IITM’s monitoring stations for not reflecting Mumbai’s ambient air quality, while IITM defends its data, attributing discrepancies to factors like local construction activities and power failures. The disagreement has only added to the confusion among the public, leaving them unsure about which data to trust. As Mumbai continues to battle severe air pollution, experts agree that the city’s air quality monitoring infrastructure needs urgent reform. Dr. Kumar advocates for the centralisation of data collection and reporting under the MPCB to ensure more consistent and transparent communication with the public. Until these systemic issues are addressed, Mumbai’s residents will remain in the dark about the true extent of the city’s pollution problem. The importance of reliable and accessible air quality data cannot be overstated, especially for a city like Mumbai, which ranks among the world’s most polluted. Until monitoring stations are functional and data gaps are filled, the real scale of the city’s pollution crisis will remain obscured, making it harder to protect public health and implement effective solutions.

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